Published: Thursday, February 18, 2010

Updated: Saturday, February 20, 2010

The Pace Press caught up with Trevor Hall while on his way to Kansas for his next show to talk to him about his music, Bob Marley and even karma.

The Pace Press (TPP): Your sound is very unique, can you describe it?
Trevor Hall (TH): There are so many influences, but it’s like acoustic, a little reggae, reggae-rock, a little bit [of a] hip-hop influence but it’s an organic sound and we kind of draw from all areas of music.

TPP: Your voice is pretty unique, are people ever shocked at the intensity of your voice and how deep it is?
TH: People usually go “oh, that voice coming out of somebody so young!” It’s kind of like an old man voice or something, but it’s how I’ve always sounded since I was a kid and it’s just what comes out.

TPP: You’ve been writing music and performing for quite a while, do you think you’ve learned more than usually a person of your age does in the music industry? TH: Well I don’t know if I can compare what I’ve learned to other people, but I think as far as my own experience goes, I’ve definitely learned a lot very quickly. From starting very young and being on a big label for a while, and then being dropped from that label, and then being picked by another label, in a very short time in my teen years, so I think I’ve learned a lot very quickly and think it has helped me [get to] where I am today.

TPP: Do you have a favorite song off of your new album?
TH: It’s hard to pick one, but I really enjoy “My Baba.” It’s one of my favorites; it gives me a good feeling. It’s also a song giving thanks for everything.

TPP: What was your inspiration for “Unity?” And how was it working with Matisyahu?
TH: Matis is a good friend of mine, we’ve toured a lot together. He’s been like a big brother to me. We have a good relationship and he’s a really humble guy, a beautiful man and very creative and open so it was such a pleasure to work with him. “Unity” kind of came out of a rough time because we were on tour together, and it was during the times of the shootings in Mumbai, India, and he knew of some people that had passed away. So we got this news while we were on tour and we talked about the issue and meditated on the issue and the song kind of came out of that experience. We took something negative and tried to make something beautiful.

TPP: Besides music, do you do any other forms of art?
TH: I try [chuckles]. I like to paint a little bit and draw, but it’s only for my own eyes to see. It’s not he greatest, but I think it’s good to find outlets which to release creativity because it could help get that juice flowing, that energy flowing of your own craft….it’s good to just explore all regions to keep those vibes flowing, that creative force moving through.

TPP: Bob Marley or Bjork?
TH: I would choose Mr. Marley. He was a huge influence, still is a huge influence. If I could bring one person back from the past and see live it’d definitely be Marley, but Bjork is very close there.

TPP: Do you believe in Karma? And what are your opinions on it?
TH: I most definitely believe in karma. I think that we reap what we sow, and I believe that if somebody does good, good will come to them. I also believe karma is being controlled by a higher power, so anything good or bad that comes to us is a result of past actions, past karma, but also I believe the all mighty will give everyone or give that person whatever they need at the appropriate time to grow and evolve.

TPP: What would you be if you weren’t a musician?
TH: If I weren’t a musician, my life would be very boring. I don’t know, I can’t imagine my life without music because music is everything to me. It’s my job, my outlet, my spiritual connection; it’s what I love to do. If I wasn’t [sic] doing it for some reason I would be in some form of art or some kind of service. But music is very dear to me.

TPP: Do you have any advice for aspiring musicians?
TH: Play out as much as possible. Play live as much as you can. I can only speak from experience… but even though I was young I went on tour, I played wherever: in a coffee shop, for my parent’s friends or my friends or in a big place because playing live helps you not be afraid to share your feelings and not be afraid to share stuff with other people. It teaches you a lot…it’s just a great teacher and a wonderful way to get your music out there. My best advice is to just play live as much as possible.